OT Kinesiology 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An OT observes a client who cannot extend the DIP joints of the fingers but can extend the PIP and MCP joints. Which structure is most likely damaged?
- Central slip of the extensor tendon
- Terminal tendon of the extensor mechanism (Correct answer)
- Flexor digitorum superficialis
- Sagittal bands of the extensor hood
Correct answer: Terminal tendon of the extensor mechanism
The terminal tendon (distal insertion of the extensor mechanism) extends the DIP joint; its disruption causes a mallet finger deformity with DIP flexion.
Question 2: Which of the following statements about the knee joint's Q-angle is clinically most relevant in OT?
- A larger Q-angle in males increases risk of patellar subluxation
- A Q-angle greater than 15–18° in females may predispose to patellofemoral dysfunction (Correct answer)
- Q-angle has no bearing on lower extremity alignment or function
- A smaller Q-angle increases risk of iliotibial band syndrome
Correct answer: A Q-angle greater than 15–18° in females may predispose to patellofemoral dysfunction
Women typically have a larger Q-angle (>15–18°) due to wider pelvis, which increases lateral pull on the patella and risk of patellofemoral pain syndrome.
Question 3: During analysis of wheelchair propulsion, which phase is most metabolically demanding and most stressful to the shoulder?
- The recovery phase (hand off the rim)
- The initial contact and push phase (Correct answer)
- The deceleration phase at end of stroke
- Resting position between strokes
Correct answer: The initial contact and push phase
The push phase of wheelchair propulsion generates the greatest joint forces and muscular demands at the shoulder, especially during initial contact through mid-push.
Question 4: A client demonstrates 'boutonnière deformity' of the finger. Which positional pattern defines this deformity?
- PIP hyperextension and DIP flexion
- PIP flexion and DIP hyperextension (Correct answer)
- MCP hyperextension and PIP flexion
- MCP flexion and DIP extension
Correct answer: PIP flexion and DIP hyperextension
Boutonnière deformity involves PIP flexion and DIP hyperextension, caused by disruption of the central slip allowing the lateral bands to migrate volarly.
Question 5: In analyzing lifting tasks for ergonomic OT intervention, the NIOSH lifting equation calculates a Recommended Weight Limit (RWL). Which factor has the greatest potential to reduce RWL from its maximum?
- Vertical height of the lift origin
- Horizontal distance of the load from the body (Correct answer)
- Frequency of lifts per minute
- Asymmetry angle of the lift
Correct answer: Horizontal distance of the load from the body
Horizontal distance (H) is the most influential multiplier in the NIOSH equation because torque on the lumbar spine increases dramatically as load moves away from the body.
Question 6: Which intrinsic foot muscle, important for arch support during standing activities in OT, is often targeted in foot orthotic interventions?
- Extensor digitorum brevis
- Flexor digitorum longus
- Abductor hallucis (Correct answer)
- Tibialis anterior
Correct answer: Abductor hallucis
The abductor hallucis supports the medial longitudinal arch and is frequently weakened in clients with pes planus, making it a target for strengthening and orthotic support.
Question 7: When an OT grades muscle strength as 3/5 (Fair) using the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale, this means the muscle can:
- Move the limb through full range against gravity with some resistance
- Move the limb through full range of motion with gravity eliminated
- Move the limb through full range of motion against gravity only (Correct answer)
- Produce only a palpable contraction with no visible movement
Correct answer: Move the limb through full range of motion against gravity only
An MRC grade of 3/5 indicates the muscle can complete full ROM against gravity but cannot tolerate any additional resistance beyond body weight.
OT Kinesiology 5
An OT observes a client who cannot extend the DIP joints of the fingers but can extend the PIP and MCP joints.
Which structure is most likely damaged?